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Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are credited as the first men to reach the summit of Everest. Both men had attempted the climb several times before finally succeeding in 1953. Thousands have attempted to reach the summit of Everest, and many hire professional guides known as sherpas.

There are not many technical climbing challenges, but the ascent is dangerous due to hazards, such as avalanches, weather conditions and altitude sickness. There is almost no chance of rescue in an emergency situation. Many climbers use bottled oxygen, and some highly experienced climbers have reached the top without supplemental oxygen.